Category: 1. Pakistan

PESHAWAR: In a narrow alley of Peshawar’s ancient Qissa Khwani Bazaar, the scent of cardamom lingers in the air, mingling with curls of steam rising from a pair of brass samovars.

Inside a dimly lit tea shop, surrounded by chipped green and yellow teapots, 68-year-old Fazl Rehman tends to his regulars — and to history.

Known locally as Qehwa Khana, this modest establishment has been serving green tea, or qehwa, to traders, travelers, and townsfolk for more than a century. Oral tradition suggests the shop is 120 to 130 years old, one of the last remaining tea houses in what was once a vital rest stop for merchants journeying between India and Central Asia.

“First, my father ran this [tea house],” Rehman said.

“He died at 120 years of age, then I started working here. Now, I have run this business for 58 years.”

The Qissa Khwani Bazaar, or the “Storytellers’ Bazaar,” harks back to a time when tea houses like Rehman’s were gathering spots where storytellers would recite fables and news by lamplight to caravans camped for the night behind Peshawar’s once-gated walls.

As Rehman recalled, in those days trade caravans from India and Afghanistan would reach Peshawar just before the city gates were locked at dusk. They would camp nearby, sip qehwa into the early hours and listen to stories from traveling bards.

“With the morning prayer, the gates would open and the caravans would move on to Lahore, then Amritsar, and into India,” Rehman said.

“In the past, this hall would be covered with grass or dry pine needles. We would bring it from our village, Mohmand. We would place the grass or pine needles on the ground for people to sit on.”

Today, the storytellers are gone, but Qehwa Khana endures, its appeal now extending far beyond Peshawar.

Rehman said tourists from countries as distant as Japan, England, Holland, and Indonesia have visited his shop to experience the unique atmosphere and sample its tea, brewed in large kettles using an age-old method.

“It is prepared through a process,” explained Muhammad Amir, a 55-year-old teamaker.

“This brass samovar is used to heat water and when the water boils, we fill the teapot… then we place it here [on the stove], boil it further, and add qehwa leaves, sugar, and cardamom. And the qehwa is ready.”

A regular teapot, typically enough for two cups, costs about Rs50 ($0.18), making it not only a cultural staple, but also one of the most affordable pleasures in the city.

SYMBOL OF HOSPITALITY

Tea culture holds deep roots in Pakistan, particularly in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where green tea, often sweetened and spiced, is a daily ritual for many. Peshawar’s old city is especially famous for its qehwa culture, where gatherings over tea are woven into the social and political fabric of everyday life.

Qehwa also remains a symbol of hospitality, often served to guests as a sign of respect, and visitors continue to trickle into Qehwa Khana, some drawn by nostalgia, others by curiosity.

Said Maluk, a native of Kurram now living in Peshawar, brought a friend recently after shopping at the market.

“I told him [friend] we would go to the famous Qehwa Khana in Qissa Khwani… we had tea and felt relaxed. Now we will go on our way,” Maluk said.

For many, sipping qehwa in the bazaar is about more than refreshment, but a return to simpler times.

“I have been coming here since childhood,” said Nargas Khan, a 65-year-old resident of the city. “I used to ride a rickshaw and do labor work in the city. After finishing my work, I would come here and drink tea. I would buy sweets from a nearby place and eat them here.”

“Now, when I come, it reminds me of my childhood and youth. We would place our cap here, coming happily. We have spent a quality life here.”

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ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board, in its 12th meeting chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, approved key decisions regarding the revision of property transfer fees, activation of the Gandhara Heritage and Cultural Centre in F-9 Park, and legal compliance on multiple land-related matters.

The meeting, attended by CDA Board members, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and senior officials, reviewed a range of agenda items. It was decided to prepare recommendations on transfer fees, registration charges, and stamp duties applicable to urban and rural properties, including housing societies within Islamabad’s jurisdiction, in line with legal frameworks.

To ensure proper adjustment of maintenance staff being transferred from the Public Works Department (PWD) to CDA, the board resolved to seek formal guidance from the Establishment and Cabinet Divisions.

A detailed feasibility plan was also approved for the swift operationalisation of the Gandhara Heritage and Cultural Centre. The revenue from this project will be directed towards civic development, beautification, and public welfare initiatives.

Other decisions included the issuance of an NOC in light of the Islamabad High Court (IHC)’s ruling in Writ Petition No 2214/2022, approval of plot return by Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami, and alternate plot allocation in Sector I-10/3.

Randhawa reiterated CDA’s commitment to transforming Islamabad into a model city through efficient urban planning and citizen-centric development.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

LAHORE: On the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, special measures have been taken for the first time to monitor and prevent fake news for establishing law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram.

A new system has been implemented and a special Control Room has been established in this regard.

The CM directed to launch strict legal action against the dissemination of fake news on the social media during Muharram-ul-Haram.

On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, tracing of people who are involved in disseminating controversial contents on the social media accounts has been launched and a strict legal action is being taken. Dozens of controversial social media accounts have been blocked across Punjab on the report of the Special Branch.

On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a Cyber Patrol Unit will perform its duties for the first time in the province during Ashura.

A special portal of PITB has also been activated for monitoring and reporting objectionable social media contents.

The special cell will monitor 24/7 social media contents pertaining to religious hatred and sectarianism.

After reporting controversial content on the portal, the account is blocked and the whereabouts of the account holder is traced. The Chief Minister directed to initiate special measures to ensure a complete ban on the promotion and publication of contents based on religious hatred and speeches. She also directed to ensure a complete ban on the usage of drone cameras under any circumstance.

She directed to carry out the deployment of a Quick Response Force to ensure complete security of Muharram processions and gatherings. Iron pipes will be installed on all sides for security purposes during the Muharram processions. Special cameras will be installed at the entrance gate of every procession during the Ashura so that the visitors can be identified by their faces.

The CM directed to deploy female police officers and personnel for the security of female mourners in the gatherings and processions. She highlighted, “The Karbala incident imparts us a lesson to adopt peace and tolerance. All possible steps will be taken to ensure peace and order during the Ashura.” She asserted, “In the context of the current global situation, the holy month of Muharram is extremely sensitive and there is absolutely no room for committing negligence by the relevant stakeholders in the performance of their duties.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister and in-charge of Muharram Arrangements for Faisalabad Division, Azma Bokhari, visited Chiniot to review the administrative and security preparations for the sacred month of Muharram.

At the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, DC Safiullah Gondal and DPO Abdullah Ahmad briefed the minister on the ongoing arrangements.

Addressing the officials, Azma Bokhari gave clear directives, stating that providing protection and essential facilities to mourners is the top priority of the Punjab Government. No negligence or loophole will be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Meeting with procession organizers and license holders, the minister emphasized that the Muharram teaches us patience, harmony, and unity. On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, we are actively working across all districts to ensure peace and smooth arrangements at every level.”

She noted that strict monitoring of all routes of processions and religious gatherings is in progress. Flashpoints are on high alert, security agencies are in full coordination, and scholars from Peace Committees are in close contact. She said a zero-tolerance policy is in place for those spreading hate or incitement on social media. A dedicated team is monitoring online activity 24/7, and no miscreant will escape legal action.”

She also shared that CCTV surveillance is active along procession routes. Facilities such as mobile hospitals, clinics-on-wheels, and water sprinklers are available for the convenience of mourners. “This is not just a religious responsibility; it is a national duty to maintain peace and order, and it requires joint efforts from all segments of society, she said.”

The minister added that she would remain present in the Faisalabad Division until the conclusion of Ashura processions and gatherings. She appreciated the performance of the Chiniot administration and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by local organizers.

Speaking to the media, Azma highlighted the progress under the Punjab Development Program, stating: “Streets are being built across the province, villages are being turned into model villages, and sewerage systems are being upgraded.” She concluded by saying that with collective efforts, we will promote exemplary peace, tolerance, and unity during the sacred days of Muharram.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD:

Despite the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) approving, by a slim margin of one vote, the nomination of Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar as the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) chief justice, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah has raised serious constitutional concerns regarding the president’s determination of judges’ seniority at the IHC.

Sources reveal that one day before the JCP meeting, Justice Shah addressed a letter to the commission secretary, expressing his reservations over a presidential notification dated June 27, which fixed the seniority of IHC judges.

In the letter, Justice Shah noted: “With due deference, it appears that this action was taken without the constitutionally mandated consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan and the two respective Chief Justices of the High Courts under Article 200 of the Constitution.”

He said that in his view, the requirement of consultation was a binding constitutional mandate and was not a matter of executive discretion that could be conveniently sidelined.

The unilateral determination made without such consultation may lack legal validity, he pointed out.

He added that while the Supreme Court had directed the president to decide on the seniority of transferred judges, such compliance must still operate within constitutional boundaries.

“The presidential action in question appears to have been taken in undue haste, which raises concerns about the transparency and propriety of the process—concerns that may merit constitutional scrutiny,” he cautioned.

Justice Shah further pointed out that Article 200 of the Constitution contemplates the temporary transfer of judges, not permanent relocation.

“Treating such a transfer as permanent — and accordingly fixing seniority on that basis — could raise serious constitutional questions, particularly where the foundational procedural safeguards appear to have been bypassed.”

Calling for institutional caution, Justice Shah stressed that the matters raised in his letter warranted careful reflection before any further steps were taken.

“I wish to emphasise that these are preliminary concerns, and I remain fully respectful of the judicial process and the ultimate authority of the Supreme Court of Pakistan to conclusively settle these matters,” he stated.

He urged the JCP to delay its decision regarding the appointment of the IHC Chief Justice until the Supreme Court resolves the underlying constitutional issues.

“Proceeding further at this stage may risk unsettling foundational constitutional principles, including the rule of law, separation of powers, and judicial independence,” he warned.

Justice Shah also requested that his letter be officially presented before the commission and its contents recorded in the meeting’s minutes.

He clarified that the presidential notification dated June 27, 2025, necessitated the letter, adding: “All observations made in the letter are tentative, offered without prejudice, and subject to the final determination by the Supreme Court on the relevant constitutional issues currently under consideration.”

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi made a concerted effort to garner support for the nomination of Justice Mian Gul Hassan as the IHC Chief Justice. However, his attempt was unsuccessful.

Notably, Justice Aminuddin Khan, a fellow judicial member, cast his vote in favour of Justice Dogar.

Former judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui also strongly endorsed Justice Dogar’s nomination as IHC CJ.

Attention is now turning to when a constitutional bench committee led by Justice Aminuddin Khan will schedule a hearing on the intra-court appeal filed by five IHC judges. The appeal challenges the previous endorsement of the transfer of three judges from different high courts to the Islamabad High Court.

With summer vacations underway, the formation of the bench remains pending. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail abstained from the voting process.

The final composition of the bench will be critical in determining the fate of the intra-court appeal filed by the five IHC judges.

Justice Shah is currently out of the country.

ISLAMABAD:

The government has surpassed its annual inflation target, which increased at a pace of 4.5% in the last fiscal year, mainly because of a slump in food prices, reinforcing the widely held independent view that the extent of monetary tightening was excessive and unwarranted.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Tuesday that the average increase in the cost of a basket of essential goods and services stood at 4.5% for FY2024-25 — well below the official target of 12% and far lower than initial projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral lenders.

The IMF had initially forecast inflation at 15%, later revising it downwards. However, these elevated projections pressured the central bank to maintain double-digit interest rates, which ultimately hurt economic growth.

The central bank has kept the interest rates at 11%, which are far higher than the headline and average inflation rates for the just ended fiscal year. This solely benefited the commercial banks at the expense of businesses and the federal government that gives away around half of the total budget in interest payments.

The current approach of maintaining 11% rates, while allocating Rs7.2 trillion for domestic debt servicing, ensures continued economic stagnation, whereas regional competitors strengthen their industrial bases and export capabilities, according to the Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD).

The government has allocated a total Rs8.2 trillion for debt servicing, which is equal to 46% of the approved budget for this fiscal year, which began on Tuesday.

The EPBD, an independent think tank, stated last week that the Rs7.2 trillion was going to the banking sector as guaranteed profits. With 59% of government debt in floating-rate instruments, reducing policy rates from 11% to 6% would generate immediate savings on the majority of debt stock, it added.

It further said that the government compounded this burden by issuing Rs2 trillion in fixed Pakistan Investment Bonds at peak rates of 22% during the last two fiscal years and locked in excessive costs for banks’ benefit, according to the statement.

The think tank stated that by reducing the interest rates to 6% because of substantial reduction in the inflation rates, the government can immediately save Rs3 trillion in the debt cost. Even a small portion of these savings can help generate jobs by lowering the cost of doing business, according to EPBD.

The average inflation rate in rural areas remained at 3.3%, while it ended at 5.3% in the urban centres, according to the PBS.

The annual inflation rate also eased to 3.2% in June, which was in line with the Finance Ministry’s projection for the month. In its monthly economic outlook report, the ministry reported this week that the inflation was projected to remain between 3-4% in June.

With the fresh inflation rate, the gap between headline inflation and the key policy rate of the SBP has widened to 7.8%. The Monetary Policy Committee last month left the policy rate unchanged 11% despite a persistent decline in inflation.

For the new fiscal year, the government has approved a 7.5% inflation target, which still provides further room for reducing the interest rates.

Core inflation, calculated after excluding energy and food items, has eased both in cities and towns. The rate slowed down to 6.9% in cities and 8.6% in rural areas, said the PBS. Urban annual inflation eased to 3% and it slightly accelerated to 3.6% in rural areas last month.

The PBS reports inflation data from 35 cities and covers 356 consumer items. In rural areas, it covers 27 centres and 244 consumer items. The data showed that food prices again decelerated after picking up pace a month earlier. The food inflation rate in cities slowed down 4.2% but slightly increased to 2.4% in rural areas.

The government has failed to fulfil its promise of keeping the prices of sugar in check, thanks to the decision of allowing exports last year. Sugar prices jumped one-fourth last month compared to a year ago, according to the PBS.

The increase in sugar prices is also contributing to higher tax collection, as the government has linked the 18% sales tax on sugar with the fortnightly inflation rate.

Eggs became expensive by 25%, milk powder 22% and meat 11%. Onion prices were still lower by 56% compared to a year ago, followed by 23% reduction in prices of tomatoes and wheat 17%. Electricity charges were lower by 30% last month, compared to a year, petrol was still 2% cheaper than last year despite increasing taxes.